To be successful requires a team of all Federation representatives, a joint central committee and our key support staff all pulling together with a common purpose that is not deflected through division or unachievable aspirations.

Ahead is a very difficult and complex journey for policing that will stretch and challenge the service to meet changes unprecedented in our history. The government must never forget that the office of constable sits at the forefront of British policing and that police officers are the bedrock of law and order.

Over the coming months I want to make our voice heard with respect, credibility and coherence. I want to communicate clearly and focus on delivering a united, well-argued case that successfully promotes the true values and purpose of the Police Federation of England and Wales.

There are many items in the policing agenda that concern me greatly, not least the issue of privatisation within the service. This is happening all too quickly, without due consideration to the repercussions of introducing private firms to policing. A thinktank approach for the future of policing is a dangerous step.

My election as chair-elect coincides with the appointment of Damian Green as the new policing minister. I intend to open constructive dialogue as soon as possible, for the benefit of the future of policing, for our members and for the public that we serve. The government needs to start listening to the voice and experience from the frontline. We exist to protect the public and instil law and order. We are an emergency service first and foremost and should never be subject to profit and loss margins. You cannot put a price on public safety.

The government's police cuts are still too deep and while we need to take our fair share, they are excessive and have the very real potential to see the demise of the finest service in the world. We are already seeing the harsh realities of the imposition of extreme budget cuts to the service and they are shocking.

As a consequence, officer morale is extremely low at the moment and there is an overall feeling of betrayal and attack by this government.

In November we will see the introduction of police and crime commissioners. It is imperative that we engage with them for the greater good of the public and the service. I have strong concerns of increasing political interference in policing, but only time will tell.

We must not lose sight of our priority, which is to ensure that the great British police service does not continue to be eroded. We still have dedicated, warranted police officers who want to serve their public and get on with the job. Let's try and work to our strengths and leave the politics out of policing. In an ideal world, policing should be left to those who know the realities of the job.

Inspector Steve Williams is chair-elect of the Police Federation of England and Wales